Bosc Pears are more crunchy, and with their firm, dense flesh, they are ideal for baking, broiling or poaching as they retain their shape and texture better than other varieties, and their flavor is less likely to be overwhelmed by the use of spices like cinnamon, clove or nutmeg.

Quality pears are medium-sized or larger with no bruises and only a few scuff marks. They should be dark yellow with a cinnamon russeting of the skin. They are ripe when they yield to gentle pressure at the stem. Avoid any with scars that break the skin or soft spots.

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS:

6 cups Organic Bosc Pears
2 TB Organic Apple Butter
1 TB Organic lemon juice
2/3 cup Organic Whole Wheat Flour
1/4 cup Pure Maple Syrup
1/2 cup Oats
3 TB Organic Raw Sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
4 1/2 TB butter (Balance Butter)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Rinse fruit and drain thoroughly. Cut pears into bite size in a mixing bowl and add lemon juice, maple syrup and apple butter. Combine, and pour into a 10"pie plate. In a food processor, pulse together the remaining ingredients until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs.

Cover the fruit with the topping and bake for thirty minutes until the top has browned and the fruit is bubbling.

Can be served hot or at room temperature. Goes very well with ice cream.